Thursday, July 28, 2016

*Disclosure: I was given a free book to review but all opinions are my own.

Are you ready to go on a grand adventure? A magical journey? Then you have to get this
book! It’s a fun expedition from
beginning to end. In fact, you will have so much fun that you will not realize
you are learning. You are taken into
this interactive book to help solve riddles, puzzles, and math problems; but, there
is much more you can learn from this book.
There is also science, literature, and history. The vocabulary used in this book is amazing.
It is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s poetry, but there are references to other
famous books, stories, and people. My favorite reference was the nod to Fred Gauss
of “Life of Fred”—especially since this book reminded me of the style of “Life
of Fred” math books.

I have two boys. One
is 13 years old and the other is 8 years old, so I was unsure if they would be
ok with the main characters being girls. But it did not bother them at all
because the girls liked to play with toy swords just as my boys do. I was also
unsure if the math problems would be too hard for my younger son or too easy
for my older son. It turns out they were neither too hard nor too easy. Both boys found them challenging, yet not too
difficult.

We looked forward to relaxing on the couch every day and
taking off on our magical exploration. It was fun to solve the puzzles, riddles,
and math problems together. We even earned points throughout the book to become
mathematical royalty. What about you? Will you be an Apprentice or The Math Monarch?

A description on the
back of the book says, “Lulu and Elizabeth embark on an exciting journey to a
realm inspired by Lewis Carroll’s poetry. The twins must use ingenuity and
sagacity to solve classic logic puzzles that promise to uncover the book’s
secrets and earn them The Vorpal Blade.”

This book is great fun from beginning to end, but don’t take
my word for it. Get the book so you can start the adventure for yourself!

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

With my son about to turn 13, an age which seemed like a
very monumental time in life, I wanted to do something special for his birthday.
I asked him what he would like to do. Like any normal, almost teen boy, he
said, “I don’t know.” Then like any normal mom, I scoured the internet. I
searched through Google, Facebook, and Pinterest and found nothing that I
thought would be special or momentous for a boy about to turn 13.

Then I had an idea to have family members, friends, and
church members send him cards with advice for his life and Bible verses they
thought would guide him through his teen years. My husband said he thought that
sounded more like something you would give a graduate; but, I explained that I
want our son to have these cards to read and reflect on as he struggled through
his teen years. I want him to have wonderful words of wisdom from people that
he trusts, and Bible verses that he can hide in his heart to get him through
tough times.

So I sent a message out on Facebook to friends, family members,
and my former congregation where my son had grown up. I asked them to send
cards with Bible verses and advice that would help him through his teen years.
I also said if any kids would like to send cards, too, those cards would be appreciated
as well. He was very excited when he started receiving the cards. He found a
special box to put them in so that he can read them whenever he needs
encouragement or inspiration.

My sister had my niece
who is 3 years old to send advice as seen through the eyes of a preschooler. It
was hilarious and it was one of my son’s favorite cards. I loved how people
would include memories they had of him when he was little, along with the
advice and Bible verses. That made the cards extra special. We even received
cards from family members that we rarely have an opportunity to see. That was
special as well.

I am confident that these cards will make a difference in
his teen years. I am hoping that when he is struggling at any point in time, he
can look through his box of cards and realize how many people are supporting
him throughout every phase of his life.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

The sun is setting and you are snuggled on the couch with your family. You are reading from the Bible and sipping hot chocolate as the fire flickers and bounces shadows on the wall. It’s been a hectic day but a fulfilling one. You have accomplished most of what you wanted for the day, so now it’s time to relax together as a family.Is this what the normal end to your day looks like? Or are you rushing around after finally getting the kids in bed and cleaning the house, only to fall into bed exhausted?I want my home to be a place my family gathers at the end of a hard day for peace and rest. But how can your home be a place of peace and rest when you are not rested or you don’t feel at peace? Grab a cup of coffee and head over to Come Fill Your Cup to find out.